Hello everyone, I'm going to have to start commuting for my job so I'm thinking about a Cobalt SS since it will get a lot better fuel mileage than my truck. I'd really like to get a 08-10 turbo. Is there anything I need to watch out for when looking at these cars used? Any advice or info is appreciated.

Thanks
Brian

 

Sell you mine!

 

Looks like I'm not to far from you.

Well, since your in the market, get an 2009 - 2010 car. Coupes are the easiest to find btw. Also, look for the RPD - LCD guage display, instead of the regular boost guage (must have). Make sure car has LSD option. Other than that, must make sure it hasn't been beat on, check car fax, and make sure to run the VIN number at a local Chevy Dealer to see what has been done to the car. There ya go, and good hunting.

 

Do it OP!

James quit trying to get rid of your car and ride it till the wheels fall off...damnit man!!!

 

id agree do it. ran into a guy who was thinking the same, talked him into getting one wish hed have taken james' LOL

 

i disagree with the bold.. I dont really care for RPD, but I suppose thats up for debate between everyone..

otherwise, I agree with everything said here


but OP, if you can find a sedan! you will never regret it! I love mine and I'm sure turbo86 and all the other rare SS sedan owners can say the same!

 

I wish I had a sedan, but alas, I'm just an LSJ.

BTW, just do it... you'll love it.

 

Things to do/look for:

Get a sedan if possible. It'll be an 09; any other year and you don't want it (they made a sedan SS in like 06, but it was N/A, and generally a pile of sad).

If it has mods on it of any kinds, be suspicious. If it has aftermarket lights, be suspicious. If it was/is debadged at all, be suspicious. If the rims aren't original, be suspicious. All of these indicate someone who was willing to make changes on the car before...and that behavior can be addictive (even if they put it back to stock before selling).

LSD is nice, but it isn't the end-all-be-all. I run just fine without it; just make sure you're stronger than the average high-school girl. :P

Other than that, basic used car buying savvy. If the deal looks too good, it probably is. Be aware the whoever is selling it will likely know what they got, be it private party or stealership, and will try to screw you a bit on price. I got my sedan, new off the lot, 85mi, for $17500 out the door. You're looking at used, so you can and MF-ing better, do a lot better than that!

 

i like the rpd alot, but sometimes it would be nice to have an actual vac/boost gauge. RPD does tell you quite a bit of stuff off of one screen.

 

Good morning Brian,

As the model years your looking into will likely have warranties remaining on them (by time), I would say to keep an eye out for any modifications on the vehicle(s) you're looking into as these can affect warranty coverage. Once you have the vehicle in your possession, I'm happy to check into any open recalls and get you warranty information if you were to send me the last 8 of your VIN.

Best,
Sarah
GM Customer Service

 

Hi. I too am in the market for a vehicle, and I truly appreciate all of the advice listed above. I actually was in the market for a 4-door GTI after selling my Marauder two weeks ago before I stumbled across a yellow 2009 Cobalt coupe with 10k miles at Carmax for $19k (wish it were a sedan though . Anyhow, I am waiting for it to be shipped from Fort Worth to Houston as we speak. If it is as pictured and advertised, I look to pull the trigger on it.

That said, should I get an extended warranty from Carmax, or is the factory warranty still applicable. Also, is this a good price considering the miles?

 

Good morning GOMAB357,

The Bumper to Bumper limited warranty would be good for 3 years from the in-service date of the vehicle, or 36,000 miles; you would certainly still be within the powertrain, emissions, and corrosion warranties for a while yet (barring a "warranty block" scenario).

Good luck!
Sarah
GM Customer Service

 

I agree, look for a sedan if you can find one, pick it up. Rare, if I ever get a TC down the road I will wait until I can find a sedan.

 

Im in the same boat, I love the lnf turbos and planned on getting one but can't decide on the coupe or sedan. I could care less about the rare factor, its more of a convience factor.

 

I would like to wait for a 4-door, but I don't think I will ever find a turbo SS with this low of miles and in this shape ever again. Gotta jump on it while I can...

 

It sounds weird, but I actually prefer my Cobalt SS Turbo over my old mans 1985 Porsche 911 Carrera. It's a great car. If you're in the market, do your homework. Find out everything you can about the car. It makes it easier to find a good one.

 

If I can give you any advice, it would be to stay patient. Idk about ya'll but I havebeen hunting down my SS for years and finally found the right one. Some are high miles for the year or modded a lot and ran to hell. Good luck on your search! Its an amazing car and fun to drive!

 

Bought mine today with only 10k miles. I paid 19k but I feel it was worth it.

http://img-00.carmax.com/Images/4/86...5-310721bb.jpg

 

^^^ damn thats a beauty. 19k miiight be a little high but yea for the miles? worth it i guess... better be a 2010 though

 

What tires did CarMax put on it ? I'd be surpised if they sprung for - or found - Contis.

 

Driving a lnf is fun, but it isnt that comfy for a long trip daily car imo. I used to drive 35k+ miles a year and had a vibe, then MS3 (loved it for this), now a LNF ss. Then stopped having to drive a lot. My car is stored in winters, so it is only out in the summers, but as a DD with the aftermarket parts, its rough. Stock though its ok, but nothing at all special for comfort.

To look for:
LSD (not really needed unless you drive in snow or race)
sunroof?
RPD - meh some people like it
USB on headunit - love it
big wing or low pro
oil leak around head gasket and high pressure fuel pump
recall for power steering motor done
gm stage 1 sensors and tune done?

 

2009

 

Ill have to check and update you. Thanks.

 

Continentals

 

If so, they might be the OEM tires. Fantastic handling IMHO, but if you go w/ the stage kit you will quickly roast them away in second gear ...

It's fun, though - I promise.

Britt